Introduction
As we move through 2024, pod vapes are dominating the vaping market, and it's no surprise. With the government’s ban on disposable vapes becoming a key talking point, many vapers are turning to more sustainable alternatives. Pod vapes, which feature built-in coils that can't be removed, are proving to be the preferred choice due to their simplicity, leak-proof designs, and superior flavour performance.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top pod vapes of 2024, explaining why these devices are ideal for beginners and seasoned vapers alike. Whether you're looking for convenience, customisability, or flavour, there’s a pod vape here for you. We’ll also discuss the best nic salts to pair with your pod system to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vaping experience.
What is a Closed Pod Vape?
A closed pod vape is a simplified vaping device that doesn’t require users to replace coils. Instead, the coil is built into the pod, and once it’s burnt out, the entire pod is replaced. Closed pod systems are designed for vapers who want a straightforward, mess-free experience without having to handle e-liquid or coils.
Key Features of Closed Pod Vapes
- No Coil Replacements: With no need to replace coils, closed pod vapes are ideal for beginners and those who prefer a hassle-free device.
- Leak-proof Design: These devices are often designed to prevent leaking, making them cleaner and more reliable for daily use.
- Consistent Flavour: The fixed wattage settings of closed pods ensure that each puff delivers consistent flavour, maximising the quality of the vaping experience.
- Convenience: Simply use the pod until the coil wears out, then replace the pod entirely. No mess, no fuss.
Closed pod systems are especially popular with new vapers due to their ease of use and reliability. They provide a consistent and satisfying vape without the need to deal with the technicalities of coil replacements and wattage adjustments.
What is a Pod Vape?
A pod vape is a compact and portable vaping device that consists of two main components: the pod, which contains the e-liquid and coil, and the battery, which powers the device. Pod vapes have become popular because they are smaller, easier to carry, and more discreet than traditional vape mods or pen-style vapes.
Unlike older vape pen designs, pod vapes are designed for simplicity. The pod is either refillable or pre-filled, and the coil is usually non-removable. This makes pod vapes perfect for those who want to enjoy their favourite e-liquids or nicotine salts without the hassle of maintenance.
Evolution of Pod Vapes
Originally, vapes came in the form of pen-style devices. However, pod vapes have evolved significantly over time, adopting slab-style designs that prioritise portability, discreetness, and ease of use. Modern pod vapes now offer better battery life, more advanced airflow control, and an improved overall vaping experience.
As pod vapes continue to innovate, they remain one of the top choices for both beginners and advanced users looking for a balance between flavour, convenience, and portability.
Pros & Cons of Pod Vapes
Pros of Pod Vapes
- Portability: Pod vapes are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry. Many vapers even keep multiple devices with them at all times.
- Ease of Use: These devices are simple to operate, with most pod systems offering straightforward functionality. Many are draw-activated, eliminating the need for a fire button.
- Discreetness: Their small size and reduced vapour production make pod vapes ideal for discreet vaping in public or at work.
- Flavour Quality: With advancements in coil technology, modern pod vapes deliver excellent flavour that rivals even larger vape mods.
- Variety: There’s a wide range of refillable and pre-filled pod systems, with flavours and nicotine strengths to suit all preferences.
Cons of Pod Vapes
- Battery Life: Pod systems typically have smaller batteries (usually around 1000mAh), so heavy vapers may need to recharge frequently.
- Vapour Production: While perfect for discreet MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, pod vapes don't produce the large clouds favoured by cloud chasers.
- Cost Over Time: Though replacement pods are inexpensive, over time they can add up, especially compared to rebuildable devices.
- Nicotine Delivery: Pod vapes are mainly designed for MTL vaping at low wattages, which may not satisfy users who prefer sub-ohm vaping with more nicotine hit.
Different Types of Pod Vapes
There are various types of pod vapes, each offering a different vaping experience. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly starter kit or a more advanced device, here are the key types you should know about:
Starter Kits
Starter kits are perfect for beginners, as they usually come with everything you need to start vaping. These kits often include the pod device, a few pods, and sometimes even free e-liquid. Starter kits like the SXmini PureMax are easy to use and set up, making them ideal for those transitioning from smoking.
Vape Pens
Vape pens have evolved into more advanced devices that combine pen-like designs with pod systems. These devices offer the portability of a pen with the customisability of a pod. For example, the Aspire Flexus Stik Pod Kit features a magnetic pod system and allows for easy coil swapping.
Boro / AIO Mods
Boro mods are favoured by advanced vapers who enjoy customising their devices. These mods use a Boro tank, allowing users to build or replace atomisers. The Shift Boro Tank is a popular choice in this category, offering versatility and performance for those willing to tweak their setup.
Pod Mods
Pod mods combine the small size of pod systems with the power and features of larger vape mods. These devices often come with adjustable wattage and support for different coils. The Voopoo Drag X is a great example of a pod mod, offering a wide range of settings while maintaining a compact form factor.
Pod Systems
Pod systems are the simplest type of pod vape, designed for maximum convenience. They use either pre-filled or refillable pods and are often draw-activated. Pod systems like the Uwell Caliburn G3 are perfect for users who want a low-maintenance, easy-to-use device.
The Best Pod Vapes of 2024
Elf Bar ELFX Pod Vape Kit
The Elf Bar ELFX Pod Vape Kit marks Elf Bar’s debut into the refillable pod system market, offering a dual mesh built-in coil pod for an exceptional mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience. With a simple design and no fire button, it's the perfect starter kit for beginners.
Key Features:- Dual mesh coils for enhanced flavour and longevity.
- RGB lighting that signals battery life with style.
- Durable 1000mAh battery offering up to 30W output.
- Four anti-leak technologies for a mess-free experience.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Excellent flavour thanks to dual mesh coils.
- Sleek design with visual appeal.
- Easy-to-use top-fill system.
- Slightly bulky compared to other pod systems.
- Limited colour options.
Buy the Elf Bar ELFX Pod Vape Kit now
OXVA XLIM Pro Pod Vape
The OXVA XLIM Pro is an upgrade to the popular XLIM series, offering a 1000mAh battery, refillable Xlim V3 pods, and customisable airflow. It features a vibrant RGB light display and a compact pen-like design, perfect for vapers who want both performance and aesthetics.
Key Features:- 1000mAh battery with 5-30W adjustable output.
- Supports Xlim V2 and V3 pods for a smooth MTL experience.
- Adjustable airflow for personalised draws.
- Modern pen-style design with RGB lighting.
- Great battery life for its size.
- Superior flavour with Xlim V3 pods.
- Stylish design with multiple colour options.
- Missing wattage adjustment buttons.
- Older 1000mAh battery might feel dated for heavy users.
Buy the OXVA XLIM Pro Pod Vape now
Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Vape
The Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 pod vape is designed for vapers who seek luxury and performance in one package. Featuring the Quest 2.0 chip, it delivers up to 40W of dynamic boost power, making it a top choice for both beginners and advanced vapers.
Key Features:- Boost power up to 40W for more intense vaping.
- 1400mAh battery with fast USB-C charging.
- Premium zinc alloy and PU leather design.
- Compatible with both E-Plus and Ursa pods.
- High-quality build and stylish appearance.
- Powerful battery and fast charging.
- Intuitive TFT colour screen.
- Slightly heavier due to the robust build.
- Higher price point compared to simpler pod systems.
Buy the Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Vape now
Vaporesso Xros 4 Pod Vape Kit
The Vaporesso Xros 4 pod kit is known for its compact design and exceptional flavour production. It features the latest COREX 2.0 technology, which allows for faster, more even heating, providing a consistent vaping experience with each puff. The 1000mAh battery ensures you can vape throughout the day with ease.
Key Features:- 1000mAh battery with 2A fast charging capability.
- Adjustable airflow for a tailored MTL experience.
- Three output modes for customisable performance.
- Compatible with various Xros pods.
- Compact and lightweight design, great for portability.
- Versatile with adjustable power settings.
- Superior flavour production with COREX technology.
- The screen design can be confusing for some users.
- Refillable pods use a snap-off mouthpiece, which can be tricky.
Buy the Vaporesso Xros 4 Pod Vape Kit now
Dovpo Ayce Mini Pod
Dovpo surprised the vaping community with its Ayce Mini and Ayce Pro pods, which have quickly become fan favourites. The Ayce Mini shares many features with the popular OXVA Xlim, offering a similarly compact form factor and great flavour performance.
Key Features:- 1000mAh battery for longer vaping sessions.
- Adjustable power output up to 25W.
- Triple leak-proof design for mess-free vaping.
- Customisable airflow for both MTL and RDL vaping.
- Compact design, easy to carry around.
- Leak-proof pods for a cleaner vaping experience.
- Affordable compared to similar devices.
- Limited brand recognition in the pod market.
- Smaller pod capacity compared to other devices.
Buy the Dovpo Ayce Mini Pod now
Vaporesso XROS Pro Pod Vape
The Vaporesso Xros Pro is the premium model in the Xros series, boasting a 1200mAh battery and advanced Axon Super Pulse Mode. It delivers up to 30W of power and supports the latest Xros pods, including the 0.4-ohm coil for a rich and satisfying vaping experience.
Key Features:- 1200mAh battery with rapid charging in 35 minutes.
- Power output up to 30W for more intense vaping.
- AXON Super Pulse Mode for consistent performance.
- Compatible with all XROS pods.
- Quick charging and long battery life.
- Powerful and reliable performance.
- Supports a variety of pods for a versatile vaping experience.
- Slightly bulkier than the standard Xros models.
- Higher price point than other pod systems in the series.
Buy the Vaporesso Xros Pro Pod Vape now
Best Nic Salts for Pod Vapes
To maximise the performance of your pod vape, choosing the right nic salt is essential. Nic salts are designed to offer a smoother throat hit, even at higher nicotine levels, making them perfect for pod systems. Here are the top nic salts for 2024:
Bar Juice 20mg Nic Salt E-Liquids
Bar Juice 20mg Nic Salt E-Liquids are a great choice for vapers who love the flavour of disposable vapes but want a more sustainable option. Available in eco-friendly 10ml bottles, these nic salts provide a smooth throat hit with rich flavour, perfect for pod vapes.
Popular Flavours:- Blue Bubba: A sweet blend of blue raspberry and bubblegum.
- Butter Mints: Refreshing mint with a creamy butter finish.
- Grape Gummy Bear: A sweet and tangy grape flavour with a candy twist.
- Pink Bubba: A burst of strawberry bubblegum.
- Rainbow: A fruity blend with sweet, sugary notes.
Buy Bar Juice 20mg Nic Salt E-Liquids now
SadBoy 10ml Nic Salts
SadBoy has made a strong comeback with its 10ml Nic Salt range, designed to cater to modern vapers who still enjoy classic flavours. These nic salts are perfect for pod systems, providing rich flavour and a smooth experience.
Popular Flavours:- Butter Cookie: Sweet shortbread with a hint of lemon zest.
- Custard Cookie: A delightful blend of shortbread biscuits and vanilla custard.
- Punch Berry: A tart berry punch with a sour raspberry lemonade twist.
- Strawberry Blood Ice: A sweet strawberry candy flavour with a cool finish.
Just Juice Bar Nic Salt
Just Juice offers a range of nic salts designed to replicate the flavours of disposable vapes. Available in 10mg and 20mg strengths, these liquids ensure a smooth throat hit and excellent nicotine absorption, perfect for use in pod vapes.
Popular Flavours:- Banana: Creamy, smooth banana with a sweet finish.
- Cherry: Juicy, ripe cherry flavour with a touch of tartness.
- Cola: A classic cola taste with notes of vanilla and spice.
- Dragon Fruit & Raspberry: A unique blend of sweet dragon fruit and tart raspberries.
Buy Just Juice Bar Nic Salt now
Summary
As we’ve seen in 2024, the pod vape market has evolved to offer a diverse range of devices suited for both beginners and experienced vapers. From the long-lasting battery life of the Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 to the compact convenience of the Vaporesso Xros 4, there is something for everyone. These devices deliver exceptional flavour, ease of use, and portability, making them the go-to choice for vapers seeking convenience without compromising on performance.
Additionally, pairing your pod system with high-quality nic salts like Bar Juice or SadBoy ensures a smoother throat hit and an enhanced overall experience. Whether you're a fan of fruity blends or dessert-inspired flavours, the best nic salts for pod vapes are designed to maximise satisfaction.
As the market continues to grow, keep an eye on new trends and innovations in pod vapes to find the perfect device for your vaping needs. Happy vaping!